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Tucked into the mountainside of Manitou Springs, Colorado, lies a beast of a hike that draws fitness enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and curious travelers alike: the Manitou Incline. This former cable car track turned extreme stairway is just under a mile long – but don’t let the short distance fool you. With 2,768 steps gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation, the Incline is a straight-up challenge that earns its reputation as one of the most intense hikes in the U.S.
The History Behind the Incline
Originally built in 1907 as a funicular railway to support a hydroelectric plant and later serve as a tourist attraction, the tracks were damaged by a rockslide and eventually removed in the 1990s. What was left behind? A grueling staircase of railroad ties—and a cult-like following among athletes and locals.
With more steps than the Empire State Building, this hike isn’t for everyone.
What to Expect on the Hike
From the very first step of the Manitou Incline, the incline doesn’t ease you in. The grade averages 45%, with some sections reaching over 60%. There’s no shade and few breaks in the relentless uphill climb. But as punishing as it is, the experience is also strangely addictive. Many people pause to catch their breath and snap photos, especially around the false summit: a deceptive plateau that tricks first-timers into thinking they’ve reached the top. (Can confirm: this was a brutal deception)
Once you do reach the true summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Colorado Springs, the surrounding Rocky Mountains, and the sense of absolute triumph. Most hikers descend via the Barr Trail, a well-maintained switchback path that winds gently back down to the base. The Barr Trail is triple the length, but you get down half the time.
Tips for Tackling the Incline:
- Reservation: A free, online reservation is required and must be shown to the on-site attendant before hiking. The reservations are to help spread out traffic on this very popular hike. You can book the Manitou Incline reservation here.
- Start early: The trail can get hot, crowded, and exposed by mid-morning.
- Hydrate like crazy: There’s no water on the trail, so come prepared. You’re ascending a mountain and climbing elevation at rapid speed – it’s important to listen to your body!
- Wear good footwear: Grippy, supportive shoes are a must.
- Know your limits: The incline is extremely demanding; take breaks and don’t push too hard if you’re new to high-altitude exercise. Slow and steady will be the name of the game. If you see the extreme athletes running up, know that this probably isn’t their first time here.
- Parking is limited: There’s a shuttle system from nearby lots, especially during peak season. Give yourself time to shuttle if there’s no parking available.
- A personal tip: don’t go a week after having COVID. Not only is the elevation adding pressure to your breathing, but my lungs simply couldn’t keep up and it took me what felt like days to complete this tough hike. However, the reward for completing the Manitou Incline was worth it.
Why People Keep Coming Back
Whether it’s a one-time challenge or part of a daily fitness ritual, the Manitou Incline leaves a lasting impression. There’s something about the mental and physical battle it demands that makes reaching the top feel like a genuine victory. And for those who fall in love with it? Some locals have climbed it hundreds, or even thousands of times.
I absolutely love living in Colorado. From the rush of the city, to the mountain towns of Vail and Crested Butte, everywhere we turn we uncover more beauty of this unique state.
